Anthropologist, Mother, Student, Vienna, Austria

Sometimes, human connections last for mere moments, paths crossing for an hour; such was my meeting with Ms. Miriam (Miri) Kienberger in Vienna. I was introduced to Miri by another fantastically strong WOW woman, whom I respect very much. Miri didn’t disappoint; a mama, skateboarder, anthropologist, human observer, feminist - she left me wanting to know more, but our hour was up. I hope that one day our journeys overlap again, and for longer.

- Olga Shmaidenko, Founder of WOW Woman.

1. Name

Miriam Julia Kienberger.

2. Where is your hometown?

Vienna, Austria.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

I am writing my Master thesis, living as a mother and an anthropologist, taking care of my son, working, and seeing wonderful friends. Whenever possible, I’m travelling.

4. What did you study in school?

Bachelor in Theatre, Film and Media Science. Currently pursuing a Master of Cultural and Social Anthropology.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)?

I learned very early on how it feels to lose one of the most important beings in life and still simultaneously remaining strong for those left behind. 

I am a very inquisitive person and I see my life and my job as opportunities to constantly develop and learn new things. I choose not to stand still.

Giving birth to my son changed my life again, and exceedingly so.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

There were, many times. I learned very early to be open about my problems and challenges in life and talk to friends. My social safety net is what gives me strength and power.

8. Advice for other women?

It's ok to fight back, to speak up, to say no, to demand respect!

9. Knowing what we know now in a current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

It's a huge journey which started more than 150 years ago, yet it is still a work-in-progress. We should all be feminists and never stop fighting for our rights.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

I probably seem tall to my kid. Jokes aside, being with people I love the most, as well as being engaged in my hobbies, are the two things that make me the happiest.

11. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

At any point in my life, I always try to engage in varied hobbies and projects. At the moment, I am mega into music and DJ-ing. Next goal for me, is to play in front of people at a public event.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I will never stand still and will always keep developing myself. My next goal is to finish my Masters thesis about the representation of masculinities in online dating spaces. Afterward, I'm aiming for a sustainable job, in which I have the feeling that I’m making a contribution and my time will be valuable.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

I am very self-critical and should be more positive and receptive toward life’s big changes and challenges.

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

I wouldn’t focus on romantic relationships so much in my youth; I'd be focusing on traveling and myself.

15. Who inspires you?

People who are reflective and trying to read/live life “between the lines”. I’m inspired by people who are engaged with changing and developing our world and society. I love people who fight for equality among all beings.

16. What are you hopeful about?

I hope that my son will have a great future.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life? How did the global pandemic change your perspective about the world, about your life, your goals and dreams?

The pandemic showed me that the world can suddenly stand still. It showed me that we should aim for more things than capitalism.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? What advice would your 14-year-old self give you in return?

Me to my 14-year-old me: Be more confident and love yourself more! Life is not as serious as you think it to be.

14-year-old me to me now: Never lose the passion with advocating for animal rights!

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

When I am not just reading and researching for my Master thesis I read books by bell hooks, Raewyn Connell, Simone de Beauvoir, Paulo Coelho, and from many more geniuses.

21. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, about why you admire them?

First and foremost I would nominate my mother. Coming from a poor background she achieved a lot of her dreams and she worked hard for every goal she accomplished. Unfortunately life is cruel sometimes and she had to go too early. I admire her for her ambition, the love she brought me and for her endless patience.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

In the near future you gonna find me and my sets on SoundCloud. I can let you know as soon as there is content. In the meantime, here: @mirakie